police officer testing process

The Mesa PD police officer recruit testing process allows us to see which individuals have the physical and mental abilities
necessary to serve on our force. Each stage of our testing process must be passed before moving on
to the next. Hover over each step to see the qualifications for advancing through our process.

1. Prescreen of Application for Minimum Qualifications

An Electronic screening will be done for AZPOST standards. A manual screening of the
Mesa PD Background Questionnaire will also be completed. If you do not turn in your
questionnaire you will not move forward in the process.

Meets Qualifications

Applicant will be invited to take the physical test.

Does Not Meet Qualifications

Applicants will not be invited to test. We suggest Applicants visit AZPOST.gov and
confirm whether or not they meet standards to be certified as a Peace Officer.

This test consists of push-ups in one minute, sit-ups in one minute, and a 1.5 mile run.
Passing scores for this test are 29 push-ups or more; 31 sit-ups or more and the
run in under 15 minutes and 20 seconds. The applicant must achieve passing scores
on each exercise to move to the next step in the process.

Pass All Exercises

Applicant will be invited to take the written test.

Does Not Pass One or More Exercises

If the applicant doesn't pass one or more of the exercises, they have to start the
process over.

3. Written Test

Applicant will be asked to complete a multiple-choice exam. Applicant must receive a
score of 70% or better to continue in the process.

Pass with 70% or Better

Applicants will receive an e-mail stating they will move forward in the process.

Score Below 70%

The applicant is notified they did not pass the test by e-mail and encouraged to
start the process over on a future test date.

4. Background Investigation

This phase includes: Interview with an officer; polygraph exam; all information is verified
through criminal history checks, employer checks, personal references and credit
checks.

Acceptable

The file is sent to the Hiring Board for review.

Disqualified

Applicant will be notified by letter and will be given a time frame needed before
they will be able to retest with this department.

5. Human Resources Hiring Review Board

The board consists of a Sergeant, Lieutenant and Commander. Each person will have a recommendation
on each applicant with final approval being held by the Human Resources Commander.

Acceptable

Applicant will be placed in an acceptable category and will be considered when filling
the next Academy positions. Applicant will be notified by letter.

Unacceptable

Applicant will be notified by letter and will be given a time frame needed before
they will be able to retest with this department.

6. Conditional Offer of Employment

If an applicant is found acceptable through the Hiring Board, they may be offered a conditional
offer of employment. The Recruit Officer position is contingent upon the applicant
passing both the medical and psychological exams.

Pass Both Exams

Applicant will be given a start date and an Academy date.

Not Pass One/Both Exams

Applicant will be notified by letter of the results of the exams. Applicant will
have to wait at least one year from the time they were notified to start
the process again.